AUGM vs SPY
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - August vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AUGM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $32M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.81% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.22% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AUGM vs SPY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - August (AUGM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AUGM returned +6.22% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, AUGM is up 3.81% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.8% for AUGM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -4.3% for AUGM and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AUGM charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AUGM currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AUGM or SPY?
AUGM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AUGM or SPY?
Over the past year AUGM returned +6.22% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AUGM annualized +6.49% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AUGM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.8% for AUGM. Worst drawdown: AUGM -4.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AUGM and SPY?
AUGM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, AUGM or SPY?
AUGM yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.